The Fifth Row is an eloquently conceived and masterfully presented homage to the American Rocky Mountain Northwest by classical guitarist Stuart Weber. The album features 11 pieces that were each recorded in a different historically significant theater including the Ellen Eccles theater in Logan, Utah, the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado, and the Ellen Theater in Bozeman, Montana. Apart from the historical significance of the recording, Weber's performance on the album is superb. His interpretations are creative yet respectful, his compositions provide new and exciting works for the instrument and his execution of these pieces is flawless. The idea for the album came to Weber after he had lost interest in releasing a new studio recording. Having performed in many of these iconic theaters in the past, Weber realized that each of these concert halls has a distinct architectural character that has helped save the building from demolition and its own unique sound that he felt should be captured on this recording... Continue reading "CD Review: "The Fifth Row" by Classical Guitarist Stuart Weber"

To the Core is a hard rockin', deep-grooving instrumental record featuring the masterful guitar work of Vinnie Moore. The album is a veritable instruction book on how to play the guitar in a modern context. There are moments of shear face-melting soloing, melodic slide playing, soulful blues licks, funky wah-wah grooves and gothic metal riffs that would make the boys from Megadeth jealous. Apart from Moore's virtuosic runs and catchy melodic lines, the rhythm section of Van Romaine drums, Tim Lehner keys and John "JD" Deservio on bass lay down seriously tight grooves on every tune on the album. The tightness of the band comes together to allow Moore to focus on the music and do what he does best, tear up the fretboard. All of the tunes on the album were written and arranged by Moore and each is a testament to the wide variety of influences the guitarist draws upon in his playing. There are '70s inspired rockers ("Off the Hook"), tasteful funk/jazz ballads ("Soul Caravan"), and blues laced tracks such as "Jigsaw." Most people who know Moore as a metal/rock guitarist may be surprised at the variety of grooves and the depth of each tune on the album. While Moore takes the opportunity to unleash his incredible solo chops on several tracks, it is songs such as "Remorse" and "Over My Head" that really bring out his maturity as a performer and composer. A sensibility and respect for the melody that can only come with maturity and experience... Continue reading "CD Review: "To The Core" by Vinnie Moore"

Sid Jacobs is one of the most well respected and revered guitarists and educators on the modern music scene. During a career that has spanned more than three decades, Sid has made his mark in just about every corner of the jazz guitar spectrum. As an educator he has taught at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the University of Southern California, the Dick Grove School of Music and the Musician's Institute, where he remains on faculty today. During this time, Sid has nurtured and mentored some of the finest up and coming jazz guitarists in the country. His devotion to teaching has not only allowed him to teach at these prestigious institutions, but has made him a highly sought after private teacher and clinician as well... Continue reading "Interview with Jazz Guitarist and Teacher Sid Jacobs"

With the song recorded and headed for mixing, along with the rest of the bands second album, a 25-year-old Jimmy Page decided to re-listen to one of the group's newest compositions, "Heartbreaker." Though he couldn't quite put his finger on it, Page felt as though something was missing from the track, something that would draw in the listener, something that would raise the intensity of the song to the next level. Since the tune was already recorded and headed for mixing his options were limited, but maybe there was a way to insert a new section somewhere in the middle of the song. After pondering over the different possibilities of how to do this, Page picked up a '59 Les Paul, plugged it into a Marshall amp, and proceeded to record one of the most famous guitar solos of all time... Continue reading "Jimmy Page's Unaccompanied Guitar Solo on "Heartbreaker""